About the program
The district serves 938 emergent bilingual students in the 2025-26 school year, up from 919 the previous school year, which is about a 2% increase.
NBISD offers two separate dual-language programs for sixth through 12th grade: an English as a second language content-based course, where English is taught within regular class time, and a pull-out course, where students continue their English learning outside of core classes.
More than 20 languages are spoken in households across the district—including Spanish, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian and Japanese, according to the district.
In the report from Multilingual Programs Director Nayane Olivas, students in the AP Spanish exam excelled, with students earning a three or higher on the test.
NBISD scored above the state and global averages in Spanish literature and Spanish language tests.
Advanced Placement, or AP, exams are ranked on a one-to-five scale, with five being the highest grade. A score of three is regarded as “qualified” and generally the minimum required to receive college credit—equivalent to a B-, C+ or C grade—according to College Board, which runs the exams.
Going forward
The district looks to increase the number of students scoring a three or higher on their AP exams, increase the number of students reclassified out of the dual-language program and explore a Spanish language credit for students in the ESL program for five years, according to the district.
